Many things come to mind when one contemplates the campestral South of France—but you will not generally find that most people associate cheap hotels with Nice, Menton, Monaco, Cannes, Hyeres, Toulon, or Sainte Maxime, or other provincial French towns. If anything it’s quite the opposite—most people immediately assume hotels in the South of France will be expensive, perhaps even more so than the average destination. It doesn’t have to be. There are two, three, and even four-star hotels in the South of France that are priced extremely reasonably.

For less than $70 per night, a couple can stay at the Hotel Richelieu in the center of Menton. Aside from the unbelievably low price, this is a very small boutique hotel. While it has only 29 rooms, it has undergone a complete renovation. The more modern amenities include satellite TV, free wi-fi Internet, and air conditioning. To boot, the Richelieu is mere yards from the beach right on the France-Italy border.

Hotels in the South of France can also offer a good deal more in the way of services, amenities, and just overall splendor for much cheaper than your average spot. Take for example the Palais Stephanie. While this $200 per night accommodation is clearly much more expensive than the Richelieu, it is a five-star establishment—for the same type of hotel in other locales you could be looking at upwards of $450 per night or more for a couple. And ahem, let’s not forget to mention that Palais Stephanie is located right at the feet of the Alps on the Mediterranean Sea… literally paradise!

Of course, there are plenty of hotels in the South of France that are priced between these two extremes. Nice Fleurs is the perfect halfway point in terms of price, but you won’t be cutting out any special treats by staying here. Just around $100 per night for two to three guests, and each suite has it’s own kitchenette, making it much simpler to stretch your Euro on vacation. Located right in the heart of Nice, Fleurs offers great proximity to both the beach and local hotspots for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

Another happy medium with all the bells is the Clos de Tourrettes, located in the quaint and charming village of Tourrettes. This is an especially perfect accommodation for those who enjoy outdoor activities with its swimming pools, close proximity to the Cote d’Azur, and the gorgeous beaches that only the South of France can offer. But the best view may be the one into your bank account—the Clos de Tourretts is a mere $74 per night!

No matter which town or village you decide to spend your stay, a trip to the South of France is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. With all there is to do and see there and the sheer beauty the landscape offers, it’s the experience of a lifetime. And it doesn’t hurt that hotels in the South of France will most assuredly offer the kind of timeless service that was tradition before texting, Twitter, and reality TV became societal norm.

Photo via bperron

When searching for a hotel, there are many things that people consider when booking.  One thing that many people look for in a hotel these days is a smoke-free atmosphere.  In years past, it was common for travelers to book a hotel room only to smell tobacco smoke in the room and on the bedding and, unfortunately, there was not much that could be done about it except to give the customer another room that may not be up-to-par when it came to other amenities they wanted.  Either they had to suffer with the smell or move.  Today, with many people speaking out against the nasty habit and many smokers lighting up in private because it has become so taboo to smoke in public, non-smokers now have an advantage when it comes to having clean air and clean rooms when staying in a hotel.  In San Francisco, many hotels are putting non-smoking customers to the forefront and are banning smoking on their properties and in their rooms and there are many cheap hotels in San Francisco that are doing this too!

People are choosing to stay in smoke-free hotels for many reasons.  The most obvious reason is health.  Cigarette smoke can cause breathing problems and severe respiratory illness in people who have severe allergies.  It can also disrupt sleep because the smoke is never contained to just the smoking room; it travels through vents and into the hallways where it can get into non-smoking rooms.  Another reason is the concern of how second-hand smoke affects the health of children and pets.  There is also a higher risk of fire when there are smokers in a building and no one who is a non-smoker wants to eat a meal with smokers in close proximity.  The idea of making hotels smoke free is really catching on all over the world and is being welcomed by most tourists.  Here are some hotels in San Francisco that have gone smoke free:

1)      Hilton San Francisco Financial District, 750 Kearny Street.

2)      ABVI Golden Gate, 2322 Lombard Street.

3)      Hotel Griffon. 155 Steuart Street.

4)      InterContinental San Francisco Hotel, 888 Howard Street.

5)      The Inn at Union Square, 440 Post Street.

6)      Castle Inn, 1565 Broadway.

7)      The Hotel California, 580 Geary Street.

8)      Hotel Vertigo, 940 Sutter Street.

9)      Americas Best Value Inn, 10 Hallam St.

10)   Kensington Park Hotel, 450 Post Street.

11)   Renoir Hotel, 45 McAllister Street.

Of course, there are many, many other cheap hotels in the city that offer great accommodations with a smoke-free environment.  The best way to find these hotels is to do a search online or if you are booking through a travel agent or online booking site, make sure you mention that you are looking for this type of accommodation.  Non-smoking travelers the world over are expressing their gratitude over this new trend in the hospitality industry and are seeing how much more enjoyable it is to stay in a hotel with clean, fresh air!

Photo via digitalgold

One of the most beautiful times of year to visit the fine city of Boulder, Colorado is right now!  October.  In autumn, before the relentless snow fall, Boulder is a charming city that offers the traveler a great place for either a quick weekend escape or a longer week-long vacation.

Boulder has become more and more popular for a tourist destination, and there are an abundance of cheap hotels to choose from.  One of the best websites for checking out specific lodging in this area is BoulderLodging.com.  This site suggests everything from high quality luxury hotels, to international hostels, to quaint Bed & Breakfast Inns.

Boulder is a mountain town with an elevation of 5,400 feet.  The locals are a varied group of people but mostly the people that live here include outdoor enthusiasts and environmentalists.  If you want to experience Boulder as a local, a great recommendation would be any one of the charming Bed & Breakfasts in the downtown area.  The Briar Rose is centrally located in downtown Boulder and allows guests to enjoy all that Boulder has to offer.

The Briar Rose Bed & Breakfast is an eco-friendly establishment run by Zen monk, Gary Hardin.  Staying at the Briar Rose guarantees visitors a peaceful stay.  The Inn offers a relaxing environment with tranquil gardens where you can sit and meditate; opportunity to meet and mingle with other guests in front of the wood-burning fireplace in the common area where tea and shortbread cookies will be served.

There are many other options for lodging in the downtown Boulder area, and the city has much to offer in terms of outdoor activities as well as cultural events, shopping and dining.  Whether you are staying for three or four days, or planning a longer vacation, Boulder, Colorado with its charm, history and picturesque beauty will definitely not disappoint.

Photo via striking_photography

Park City is usually synonymous with the Sundance Film Festival which occurs during the month of January.  Hollywood types flock to this quaint town in Utah foothills and bring the party atmosphere with them.  But for the rest of the year, after the celebrities have cleared out, Park City is a great vacation getaway and you can find plenty of cheap hotels and different types of lodging in this charming Utah town.

If you love the outdoors and all the activities that go with it, summer is a great time to visit Park City.  Mountain bicycling is one of the most popular things to do since the city is filled with numerous bike trails.  Additionally, Park City is a great location for fishing, boating and golfing enthusiasts.  If winter is the best time for you to travel, the skiing in Park City couldn’t be better.  This town is known for its fantastic terrain and challenging ski runs also used in the 2002 Winter Olympics.  Park City has much to offer its visitors anytime of the year.

There are plenty of places to stay for some cheap lodging and great proximity to the center of town.  Here are three places that are under $100 per night:

• The Hampton Inn & Suites Park City offers rooms starting from $94 per night.  They are conveniently located six miles north of Park City and within a few miles to three different ski resorts.
• The Holiday Inn Express Hotel offers rooms starting from $67 per night. They offer free hotel shuttle service to Park City and Deer Valley. The accommodations are no-frill, but the price is right and the hotel provides clean, comfortable rooms in a great location.
• The Marriott Park City offers rooms starting from $79 per night.  Here, you can enjoy Marriott Hotel-type luxury for an inexpensive price.  They also offer complimentary shuttle service to the Utah Olympic Park, the outlet mall in Park City and Old Town.  During the off-season, prices for this hotel drop considerably.

There are certainly plenty of choices for accommodations in the Park City area. These three hotels are a small sample of what is available for budget-conscious travelers. If luxury is what you’re looking for, there are plenty of four-star hotels in the area.  But for those of you on a budget, don’t rule out Park City as a location to visit.  You can find a bargain and enjoy everything that this gorgeous mountain city has to offer.

Photo via The Central Florida Mills Adventure & Eco Squad

One of the most popular places in Miami Beach is Coral Gables a suburb of the Sunshine State. Luckily, the community has a lot to offer visitors from cheap hotels to great shopping, scenic landscape and activities galore. Cheap hotels are located throughout Coral Gables which makes vacationing here easy. Booking a cheap hotel is also simple since there are so many, here are a few choices.

Biltmore Coral Gables

Enjoy a bed & breakfast package for $179 at the Biltmore Coral Gables, a luxurious hotel that has hosted celebrities and many dignitaries. Included in the package is a VIP welcome amenity on arrival, free breakfast daily, late check-out of 3:00 p.m., and upgrade to deluxe room (subject to availability), complimentary town car transportation to Coral Gables shopping, dining and attractions. If that doesn’t float your boat, go for the Simple Pleasures package from $199 per night. Included is a welcome gift on arrival, Biltmore resort credit of $100, preferred late check-out of 3:00 p.m.,  upgrade to a Junior Suite (subject to availability), complimentary town car transportation to Coral Gables shopping, dining and attractions.

Westin Coral Gables

Go for the Power Up package at the Westin Colonnade from $145 per night. The hotel is centrally located in the business and retail district of Coral Gables. Numerous publications have rated the hotel as one of the top 500 hotels in the world. The Westin Power Up Package includes: Complimentary daily American breakfast for one person,

complimentary daily high-speed Internet access. Book online, or call 866-716-8108 and reference promotion code WPU.

Hyatt Regency Coral Gables

A Mediterranean-style hotel reflecting Spain’s Alhambra Palace, the hotel has been renovated and its guest rooms offer luxurious furnishings and offer spacious living areas. Located in the center of Coral Gables and close to dining, shopping and entertainment. Wireless high-speed Internet access is available. Get aboard and take advantage of the Stay More Save More package. Enjoy lots of savings and get away to the ultimate escape this season with and save more the longer you stay!  Stay three nights and save 15 percent off the Hyatt Daily Rate.  Save 25 percent when you stay four nights or more!  Use the extra stay to kick back, relax and enjoy the fun and sun that Coral Gables has to offer you.  Book now to take advantage of this limited-time offer, and save big. Rooms starting at $194 per night.

Regardless of where you decide to stay in attractive Coral Gables, know that cheap hotels abound to help save you money. Take the extra cash you save and enjoy yourself in the surroundings shopping and dinging areas throughout Coral Gables.

Photo via paulmichaels79uf

The most colorful time of year in New York City is autumn. Glorious colors of leaves fill central park and make it worthy of long, romantic strolls. New York’s cool autumn air, busy nightlife and vibrant streets make it a fantastic getaway.

Of course you might that the real trick to treating yourself is getting lodging you can afford. With all of Manhattan’s high-end hotels and multi-million dollar addresses, many people assume they can’t do it on a budget. However, there are deals to be had of you look around. Turn to some of these hotels and you’ll be giving thanks while still leaving a little stuffing in your wallet.

The New Yorker Hotel

Right next to the Jacob Javitts Center in Midtown, you’ll find a great deal at the New Yorker Hotel. While you may not have heard of the name, you’ll know the ownership. Ramada operates this budget hotel with respect for the international chain’s standards. Rooms tart at $99 a night, but check out their website for specials.

481 Eighth Avenue (at 34th Street)

212-971-0101

www.newyorkerhotel.com

The Marcel

If bagels and coffee are your thing, you’re in for a treat at the Marcel. A morning breakfast of New York bagels comes with your room and and a complimentary cappuccino machine is on hand for around the clock use in the lobby. For a hotel with rooms at $125 a night, The Marcel doesn’t skimp. Nicely appointed rooms with private baths, down pillows, on-demand programming and room service will make your stay in Gramercy Park a nice one

201 E. 24th St

212-696-3800

www.themarcelatgramercy.com

The Milburn

Get a high-end address without the high-end prices. The Upper West Side is the slightly understated home to the elite – and for as little as $129 a night, it can be yours too. The cheapest rooms in the house can sleep up to four and children stay free with their parents. The hotel offers free WiFi and access to an adjacent indoor swimming pool. Enjoy quick walks to New York landmarks such as Central Park and Zabar’s.

242 W. 76th St

212-362-1006

www.milburnhotel.com

Photo via VisualTricks

An exotic trip is always in season when it comes to honeymooning. Many consider trips to Fiji and Tahiti, the Caribbean, and the West Indies. However, while frequently overlooked as an option, a honeymoon in India offers all the unique excitement you can ask for. From a vibrant bustling atmosphere to a cultural potpourri that will knock your socks off, you will never forget a vacation to India – and getting there is easier and cheaper than you think.

Come honeymoon in India at the exclusive spot known as the “Paradise on Earth.” Located in far North India, views of the Kashmir Valley are readily visible from the hotel. The honeymoon package is a 5-night/6-day vacation and includes a buffet breakfast, free railway passes and transfers, nighttime tea to relax on the porch or in bed, Kashmiri food (delectable and exotic), a ride on the Dal Lake – a serene ride with rich and vibrant scenery, and in the tradition of Indian custom, a welcome beverage upon arrival at the Kashmir hotel. The entire stay is just $540 per person.

Located in Northeastern India, the Fascinating North East offers an unbelievable 5-night/six-day vacation package specifically for those on their honeymoon in India. For a staggeringly low price of $313 per person for the entire package, honeymooners will receive not only a breakfast each morning, but a dinner each night at no additional cost. A complimentary cake to celebrate the newly married couple, a private candlelit dinner, and sightseeing are all included. The Tea Gardens of Darjeeling offer the perfect place to quietly stroll on your honeymoon in India, and the local monasteries bring a delightful sense of relaxation to the traveler who has been banged up by the Western world.

Imagine spending $432 for a six-night/seven-day trip to one of the most coveted regions of the country for your honeymoon in India. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you choose Kerala Lover’s Paradise. Located in Southern India, this destination is a great choice for honeymooners with a penchant for the outdoors and sightseeing. From coconut tree-lined lagoons in Allepey to a labyrinth of inland waterways, Kumarakom is an excellent choice for mind-blowing scenery and glorious views of indigenous wildlife. Kerala packages offer a massage for the bride and groom, a tea service and celebratory cake to celebrate the new union, and even a sunset cruise. Two private candlelit dinners are also included in this incredible package.

Of course, there are other cheap hotels in India that offer shorter two and three-day stays, but considering you’ll be traveling across the planet, try making the trip a longer one. After all, it is your honeymoon, and aside from that, you won’t be able to see anywhere near what India has to offer in a mere 48 or 72 hours. Unless you absolutely have to cut it short, a longer stay to India will do your mind, body, and soul good.

Make sure you take tons of pictures of the unbelievably beautiful countryside, gardens and the vibrancy of the cities if you go there. We’re sure you’ll want to treat friends and family to a slide show when you get home!

Photo via Lalit Dalal

Have gray skies and rainy days got you down?

Maybe the warm sea breezes and swaying palm trees of Miami Beach will make you feel better. Luckily, there are all kinds of cheap hotel rates that are being offered this month and throughout the end of the year. Put away your umbrella for a swim suit and book yourself a cheap hotel room at any of these locations in Miami Beach. Just think, if you save on a cheap hotel, you’ll have more to spend on shopping, sports, and amusement parks.

Holiday Inn at University of Miami

Located in Coral Gables, the hotel is offering room rates as low as $102 per night; two double beds, non-smoking with two-days booking in advance. Close to the University of Miami, parks and Dadeland mall.

Holiday Inn Port of Miami – Downtown

This hotel is across from the Port of Miami, Bayside Marketplace, and American Airlines Arena. The Miami Convention. Enjoy rooms through the end of the month starting at $209. Double beds, wheelchair accessible, book early to receive savings.

La Quinta Inn Miami

This Miami hotel is less than 3 miles from Miami International Airport. The Magic City Casino is about 4 miles from this La Quinta Inn. Rooms average $65 per night for a standard room with two double beds.

Intercontinental Miami

A nice city-center hotel is located in Miami, close to Bayfront Park and Miami Convention Center. Two double beds, standard room, book in advance and pay an average $291 per night.

The Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove

Have fun for an average of $143.20 per night at this waterfront hotel located in Coconut Grove, situated in a friendly neighborhood in metropolitan Miami just eight miles from South Beach

Sun, fun and more are the name of the game in Miami Beach where vacationing is easy. Booking a cheap hotel room is easier than ever all of which will surely help you to relax.

Photo via JumperFan oOOo

As the cultural Mecca of Sweden, Stockholm is not generally thought of as cheap. This capital city is a feast for the eyes and mind—whether you’re going there for business or pleasure, there are some sites you won’t want to miss out on. That said, it’s important to know where you can stay that is near attractions. And if you want to enjoy the food and other activities or have enough money left over to buy souvenirs or shop for yourself, looking for cheap hotels in Stockholm will be first on your travel to-do list.

One of the many things this illuminating city offers is a rich culture and proud heritage. To exhibit this pride, there are more than one hundred museums in Stockholm; you’ll never be bored from a lack of places to visit and learn about art, history, geography, and more. Some of the museums that are must sees in Stockholm include the Swedish Armoury Museum, the Vasa Warship Museum, the Skansen Open Air Museum, and various other historic spots that are now open to the public.

To stay near the central hub of the area near these museums and other attractions, try to find cheap hotels in Stockholm to choose from.  What few people know is that there are three, four, and five star accommodations that will fit almost any budget. Here are some great places to stay for under $100:

For $85 per night you can stay in the lavish Freys Hotel. Among the cheap hotels in Stockholm, this is perhaps one of the top finds. Although in Sweden, this hotel is modeled after Belgian themes, and even comes complete with hundreds of choices in Belgian ales, pilsners, and lagers. If the bar isn’t your scene, you’ll still appreciate that this is four star accommodation centrally located right next to the Central Station—you can get anywhere from here faster and easier than from any other point on the map. Intimate, good meals, great service, and centrally located for under $100? Wow!

For less than $82 per night, stay at the gorgeous four star Rica Hotel right in the heart of Stockholm. The Rica is in the city’s well-known entertainment quarter While it may seem impossible to pronounce now, you’ll want to acquaint yourself with Drottninggatan, a main drag for shopping, sightseeing, and general hustle and bustle. If you stay at The Rica you’ll be right on Drottninggatan—the perfect location for shopping therapy!

There are other options aside from cheap hotels in Stockholm. For the younger crowd, or those who are young at heart, consider the City BackPackers Hostel located in a turn-of-the-century landmark building right on Drottninggatan as well. As soon as you roll into Stockholm you can check your things in here and get moving to the sites and sounds. There are only 24 rooms, making it a very intimate and authentic choice. And to sweeten the pot, the nightly rate is a mild $34!

So now that you know there are cheap hotels in Stockholm to choose from, you hardly have an excuse not to look into the trip. It’s a spellbinding city where there’s something to be learned—but perhaps more importantly, plenty to be enjoyed!

What’s better?  Finding an expensive hotel room right smack in the center of all the action, or renting a car and getting a cheap hotel a little further away and driving to all the places you’d like to go?  If you’re looking for the answer to this question, I’m not sure I can help you.  I think it matters what it is you want to see and do, and where you want to stay.  If it’s Laguna Beach, CA that is your destination, the accommodations can be a bit pricy.  But it’s California and there is so much to do.  So I would definitely recommend you consider renting a car and staying outside of Laguna in a cheaper area.  Now your hotel room is cheap and you have a car to drive around to all the amazing sites in Southern California!  Pretty good idea, right?

Orange County, CA is sprawling and there is a huge diversity of places you can stay.  If it’s the beach you want, Laguna Beach is stunning and gorgeous, loaded with upscale art galleries, shops and restaurants.  But staying in Laguna Beach proper can be a bit expensive.  Heading north on the Pacific Coast Highway, the choices don’t get much better.  Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Corona Del Mar are all just as high-priced as Laguna.  But if the beach is where you want to be, you may want to consider heading south.  South of Laguna is a little beach town called Dana Point.  And beyond Dana Point is San Clemente.  These two areas are much less expensive, and much less populated with tourists.  If you decide to stay in either one of these two coastal towns, you will more than likely be able to find a cheap hotel and still have easy access to the beach, to the center of Laguna, and many of the coastal cities along Pacific Coast Highway.

Rent yourself a convertible and cruise on down PCH!  There are so many things to see and do as you drive up and down this beautiful highway.  The view alone will make you feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth.  You’ll definitely want to bypass the expensive Ritz Carlton and St. Regis hotel situated on Pacific Coast Highway between Dana Point and Laguna Beach.  But you can get great accommodations at the DoubleTree Guest Suites in Dana Point.  The DoubleTree is in a great location and rooms in 2010 start as low as $143 per night.

San Clemente is not an upscale town at all, and the city is loaded with cheap motels, inns and bed and breakfasts that will allow you easy access to everything this quaint town has to offer. You can book a room at the Best Western, Comfort Suites or the San Clemente Holiday Inn for as low as $80 per night.

Who says you can’t afford a beach town vacation?  You can.  Pick the right town, get a rental car to cruise around in, and enjoy your stay in sunny Southern Cal!

Photo via ptervin